Cost Estimation Manager - Competitive Compensation

Job Description

Job Description

This job is posted on behalf of Welsh & Associates, Inc. by Top Echelon.

Evaluate Accuracy. Secure Value.

Estimating Manager

Opportunity Overview: In commercial construction, profitable growth is built long before the first pipe is hung or duct is installed—it begins with precise, strategic estimating. At our client, continuous market expansion across Michigan has created a high-value mandate for an experienced estimating professional. This role exists to lead competitive hard bids and negotiated budget proposals across complex plumbing, piping, HVAC, and custom metal projects. Rather than grinding through high-volume, transactional estimates in isolation, this position offers end-to-end involvement in project strategy—from initial scope determination and digital takeoffs to value engineering and seamless project turnover. For a seasoned estimator seeking long-term organizational stability, this opportunity provides a collaborative platform backed by decades of industry leadership and sustained regional growth.

Is This You? The right professional for this opportunity is a detail-driven estimating expert who combines deep mechanical system knowledge with strategic commercial foresight. You are energized by analyzing complex schematics, uncovering value engineering opportunities, and establishing accurate, winning project budgets. Rather than treating estimating as a numbers-only exercise, you excel at building strong vendor and subcontractor relationships, vetting proposals for competitiveness, and partnering with project leadership to ensure a clean operational handoff. You bring a self-directed, thorough approach to quantity takeoffs, prioritizing accuracy and efficiency over quick guesswork. If you value complete project visibility, take personal pride in winning profitable work, and thrive in an established, team-oriented contractor culture, this mandate will align naturally with your strengths.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

• Based in the Greater Kalamazoo area with deep roots and expanding commercial coverage across Michigan.
• Comprehensive Project Scope: Full-spectrum mechanical bidding across commercial plumbing, process piping, HVAC service, and custom metal fabrication.
• Strategic Estimating Tech: Direct application of industry-standard digital takeoff software, with strong emphasis on tools like Trimble AutoBid.
• End-to-End Ownership: Complete lifecycle involvement—from pre-bid meetings and scope development to value engineering recommendations and contract turnover.
• Collaborative Leadership Alignment: Direct partnership with the leadership and project management teams in determining pursuit strategy.

Worth Exploring?

The right opportunity rarely comes from simply searching for one; it often starts with a conversation that creates space to consider what could be next.

If this opportunity aligns with the kind of leadership challenges that energize you, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.